Eagles, Maritzburg set for KZN Nedbank Cup derby

Royal Eagles and Maritzburg United will cross swords in a KwaZulu-Natal Nedbank Cup derby on 11 March 2018 at the Princess Magogo Stadium, kick-off at 15h30.

Eagles earned their place in this phase of the competition with a 1-0 away win over Happy Wanderers on February 11, with former Moroka Swallows, SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Mame Niang scoring the only goal of the game.

Reaching the last 16 represents a competition record for the KwaZulu-Natal National First Division club, who were knocked out of the last 32 in 2017 by eventual champions SuperSport United.

Eagles come into the game having claimed a 2-0 home win over Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in a league clash on March 3. They are unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions.

Maritzburg moved into the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup by defeating third-tier team Swallows FC 3-1 after extra time on February 10. Andre Fileccia scored two goals, while Mxolisi Kunene also got his name on the score sheet.

The Team of Choice has never won the Nedbank Cup, nor reached the final, while their participation in the 2017 edition was ended in the last 32 round when they were beaten 3-1 at KwaZulu-Natal rivals Golden Arrows.

Maritzburg come into the game on the back of a goalless draw away to SuperSport United in the league on March 3. They are unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions.

Despite being provincial rivals, this will be the first competitive match between Royal Eagles and Maritzburg United.